INFORM
TIRED AND TESTED? ANDREW WILSON Andrew Wilson explores the concept of show gardens and asks whether we need something different in the world of garden design I’ve had many years of involvement and enjoyment in the world of show gardens and still think of them in a wholly positive light. I support them as a platform for designers and landscapers to show what they can do, give vent to imaginative and creative ideas or show a particular skill base or specialism. What’s more, the gardens are delivered to a wide audience of show visitors and television audiences. I suspect that not all show visitors are necessarily interested in this particular approach. Many still go to shows to pick up planting ideas – to see new border combinations or recently introduced cultivars in action. For a good proportion of visitors the cost of the gardens would come as a huge shock or surprise and only a small proportion of those interested would be able or willing to spend on their gardens at show garden level. So are we in danger of pleasing our sponsors and alienating show visitors and viewers?
In the UK the show scene is dominated by RHS ventures, which automatically sets a certain tone in terms of horticulture, spatial organisation and judging criteria. Although there are large and small, fresh and artisan, summer or concept alternatives there is still a certain branding at play. Some commentators see and describe RHS Chelsea as the world’s top garden design show but many garden designers both at home and abroad see it as a horticultural feast rather than a design platform. So for designers such as Andy Sturgeon, Dan Pearson, Luciano Giubbilei or Tom Stuart-Smith, all of whom have won Best in Show at RHS Chelsea, are we seeing what they can really do, or what they can do within the confines of an RHS show format? To some extent, shows such as the Singapore Garden Festival are willing to be more experimental and although their designers are selected from other shows around the world, the design approach is much more free and dynamic. With some long term sponsors of RHS Chelsea gardens pulling away from the show
and others wanting a different or new experience for their clients or customers, the RHS may indeed be at a crossroads in terms of the future of its shows. Will show gardens be smaller and more attainable or more dynamic, dramatic and inspiring? Well, call me a designer but I know which direction I would prefer!
ARE WE IN DANGER OF PLEASING OUR SPONSORS AND ALIENATING SHOW VISITORS AND VIEWERS? What is certain is that the judging process for show gardens will also have to change. In part, nothing stays the same or constant in this world apart from, of course, change itself. If the dynamic or inspirational show garden option is taken then judges likewise have to be drawn from those who inspire or have inspired us. There is a potentially widening gulf between the calibre of designers attracted to the RHS shows and those invited to judge. This is most apparent in feedback when non-designers are given the task of explaining awards or pointing out design issues. This is a complaint also voiced by several Gold medal winners. If you have designers on your judging panel, have them give feedback. Exhibitors need feedback from people they can trust who can empathise and communicate issues succinctly and with diplomacy; otherwise, perhaps it’s best not to do it at all. It may be time to open up a wider debate on these issues in the name of progress. The future of show gardens is bright, if we allow it to be. ABOUT ANDREW WILSON
Wilson McWilliam Studio’s garden, Silence, viewed through one of the morse code openings
www.prolandscapermagazine.com
Andrew Wilson.indd 35
Andrew Wilson is a landscape and garden designer and a director of Wilson McWilliam Studio. He is also a director of the London College of Garden Design, an author, writer and lecturer.
www.wmstudio.co.uk
Pro Landscaper / October 2016 35
19/09/2016 10:05